The Duchess of Cambridge loves Indian food but her husband William is not so keen, the royal couple revealed ahead of their trip to the country

Kate and William attended a reception at Kensington Palace for young people from India and Bhutan who are living, working or studying in the UK

They begin an official trip to the two countries this weekend

Kate paid tribute to India by wearing a dark blue outfit by London-based Indian designer Saloni, while the Duke looked smart in a suit and tie

The royal couple chatted to their guests about their forthcoming six-day trip,
which will be their first to the two countries

They met Bhutanese and Indian students enrolled on the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office's Chevening Scholarship Programme

One of the guests was British Asian model Neelam Gill, who said about Kate: 'She told me she loves Indian food and I said she would be fine, and William said he struggles with the spices.'

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have revealed that when it comes to Indian food - Kate loves it but William struggles with spices.

Their confession came ahead of their official trip to India and Bhutan, which begins at the weekend, and was made during a Kensington Palace reception for young people from the two Asian countries living, working or studying in the UK.

Among the guests the royal couple welcomed to their home was British Asian model Neelam Gill who has worked for Burberry and appeared in Vogue magazine.

The model said about Kate: "She told me she loves Indian food and I said she would be fine, and William said he struggles with the spices."

The Duchess paid tribute to India by wearing a dark blue outfit by London-based Indian designer Saloni while the Duke looked smart in a suit and tie.

William and Kate chatted to their guests about their forthcoming six-day trip, which will be their first to the two countries.

They spoke to India's High Commissioner to the UK Navtej Sarna, other figures representing British and Indian business, the charity sector, key figures within the community, academia, and representatives from the British Asian Trust.

The couple also met Bhutanese and Indian students enrolled on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Chevening Scholarship Programme, the UK's international awards scheme aimed at developing global leaders.

The Duke told one group that the weather in Mumbai, where they will start their visit next week, will be very hot.

He said: "Mumbai is about 35 degrees - it will be a belter. I've had enough of winter time, I want to get away."

The conversation turned to the recent Twenty20 World Cup cricket tournament hosted by India which the West Indies won in dramatic style, beating England in the final at the weekend.

The Duke said: "I wish I was there for the last week, for the final - amazing game."

He added: "As much as England lost, the West Indies winning is not bad, they're so passionate."